We help families pay for college.  We know the financial aid system and can assist your family through the entire process to include: determining your financial aid need; selecting colleges; estimating financial aid awards from these colleges; completing financial aid forms and finally helping families compare awards received to determine the best match for your student.    

 Step 1: Determine if you Qualify for Financial Aid

Our firm understands the formulas used to determine financial aid.  Through a review of your tax return information, your assets, your student's income and assets we can calculate the dollar amount the financial aid system expects your family to contribute to college costs each year.  We can identify strategies to increase your financial aid eligibility.

If it is determined that your family does not qualify for need based financial aid, we develop tax strategies that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for college.  Opportunities also exist for merit scholarships which are awards unrelated to the family's finances.  Each family's financial situation is unique, and we tailor your plan to your goals and family circumstances.

 Step 2: Guidance in the College Selection Process   

Our firm works with your family to select colleges that match your student's academic goals and interests as well as provide generous financial aid packages.  We discuss in detail your student's college requirements and their particular academic and non-academic merit attributes.  A mutually agreeable listing of colleges is developed.

 

 Step 3: Assistance with Completion of Financial Aid Forms

Our firm is very familiar with all of the necessary financial aid forms to include the FAFSA, CSS Profile form as well as financial aid forms unique to various colleges.  We track deadlines and confirm with each college that all forms have been completed properly and received on time.

We help in the comparison of financial aid offers received and can assist in the appeal process if the awards are not acceptable to the family.  Our firm is very familiar with this process, and has a track record of success. 

Optional Service: Assisting Student Athletes

Scott Brayton and Gary Whitehouse, partners in the firm, assist student athletes who are interested in playing their sport in college.  They work with the student to determine their academic goals and then help the student identify colleges that match their academic as well as their athletic interests.  Scott and Gary teach the student athlete to search for the right schools and to self-recruit themselves to coaches while using athletics as a tool.  They have a proven track record of placing student athletes at colleges that match their objectives. 

Fees for Services

A typical consultation includes a review of your financial information and calculation of your "Expected Family Contribution" (EFC) towards college costs.  The "After Financial Aid" cost of the colleges on your short list is determined.  Factors affecting your EFC will be identified and suggestions given to improve your financial aid eligibility.  Colleges awarding merit based scholarships will also be discussed.  The fee for this session is $350.  Assistance with the FAFSA and the CSS Profile forms is also available.